How to Dance a Basic Step in Bolero

Bolero is a dance that dates all the way back to 1780 in Spain. It traveled across the Atlantic to Cuba and then to America. Bolero is danced on the social dance floor as well as in ballroom competitions. Although it is not considered to be one of the core ballroom dances and therefore is not as common as Waltz or Swing, it is still fairly popular. Bolero music is slow and romantic and gives dancers the opportunity to cling close to their partner and sway or make big, showy movements.When dancing Bolero, you can wear anything you like—as long as the clothes allow you to move freely and you are respecting the dance studio’s dress code. I recommend that you wear dance shoes whether required by the studio or not, because they are designed to help your dancing—shoes with grippy soles can cause a lot of damage to your joints.

Instructions

Leader’s steps

1. Stand on your right foot with your left foot free in closed dance position.

2. Counts one, two (say “slow”--two beats): take a long, sweeping step to the side onto your left foot.

3. Count three (say “quick”--one beat): step back on your right foot.

4. Count four (say “quick”): replace weight on the left foot.

5. Count five, six (say “slow”): step take a long, sweeping step to the side onto your right foot.

6. Count seven (say “quick”): step forward on your left foot.

7. Count eight (say “quick”): replace weight on the right foot.

8. Repeat.

Follower's steps

1. Stand on your left foot with your right foot free in closed dance position.

2. Counts one, two (say “slow”--two beats): take a long, sweeping step to the side onto your right foot.

3. Count three (say “quick”--one beat): step forward on your left foot.

4. Count four (say “quick”): replace weight on the right foot.

5. Count five, six (say “slow”): step take a long, sweeping step to the side onto your left foot.

6. Count seven (say “quick”): step back on your right foot.

7. Count eight (say “quick”): replace weight on the left foot.

8. Repeat.

Tips & Warnings

• The count for Bolero is slow, quick, quick. A slow is two beats and a quick is one beat.

• On every step, change weight fully to the moving foot.

• Closed dance position: lady’s right hand in the man’s left, held at about eye level. Man’s right hand on lady’s left shoulder blade (under her left arm). Lady’s left hand flat on the man’s back, just behind his shoulder.

• Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.